The Cameroon Air Force achieved a historic milestone on Thursday, March 5, 2026, by completing its first major C2-type overhaul on a C130-H tactical transport aircraft at Air Base 201 in Douala. This operation, entirely conducted by Cameroonian technicians, represents a significant act of technical and industrial sovereignty for the country.
General Bède Benoît Eba Eba, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, oversaw the event, emphasizing the importance of this achievement for the autonomy of the Cameroonian army. More than 3,000 hours of work were required to complete this heavy maintenance, involving hundreds of checkpoints and rigorous technical requirements.
The C2-type maintenance was carried out by technicians from the Cameroon Air Force, with the support of the Portuguese industrial partner Aeromec. General Eba Eba stressed that this is a chosen collaboration and not a dependence. He stated that this project is a strong act of technical and industrial sovereignty, sending a message to those who doubt Cameroon's military-technical capabilities.
The completion of the work is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026. The aircraft will then meet the most stringent international standards. This achievement paves the way for other heavy maintenance scheduled on other aircraft in the national fleet, marking a new era where Cameroon masters the maintenance of its military equipment.
By carrying out this first heavy maintenance of a C130-H in total sovereignty, Cameroon demonstrates its ambition to strengthen its military autonomy and develop its technical skills. Is the country aiming to become a military aeronautical power in Africa?
